Discover Grove City September/October 2024

What’s Happening?

Sept. 1-Oct. 31

Grove City Pizza Trek

Visit Grove City, 3995 Broadway www.visitgrovecityoh.com

Sept. 6-15

Ohio Open Doors in Grove City

Various times and historical locations www.grovecityohio.gov

Fridays, Sept. 6, 20 and Oct. 4, 18

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Noon-6 p.m.

Kingston Center, 3226 Kingston Ave. www.redcrossblood.org

Saturdays, Sept. 7, 14

Grove City Area Chamber

Farmers’ Market

8 a.m.-noon

Town Center, Park Street & Broadway www.gcchamber.org

Sat., Sept. 7

Plein Air | Art in the Garden

9 a.m.

Gardens at Gantz Farm, 2255 Home Rd. www.grovecityohio.gov

Sat. Sept. 7

Heart of Grove City & C-Town Cruisers Car, Truck & Bike Show

11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Town Center Park, 3359 Park St. www.heartofgrovecity.org

Fitness in the Park

Thursdays, 6 p.m.

Sept. 5, 12, 26

Oct. 3, 10, 17

Town Center Park, 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov

9/11 Memorial Service

Wed., Sept. 11

9/11 Memorial Service

8:30 a.m.

Jackson Township Fire Station 204, 4900 Buckeye Pkwy.

Wed., Sept. 11 and Oct. 9

Paws in the Plaza

6-8 p.m.

Town Center Park, 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov

Fri., Sept. 13

Summer Outdoor Concert: Simba Jordan Band

6:30-8 p.m.

Town Center Park, 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov

Do you have an event you would like to submit?

Send details and photos to rkaras@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Sat., Sept. 14

Mayor’s Pickleball Tournament

9 a.m.

The Park at Beulah, 3700 Glacial Ln. www.grovecityohio.gov

Sat., Sept. 14

2nd Annual Smokin’ Hot Wing & Music Fest

Noon-9 p.m.

3500 Southwest Blvd. www.americannitrile.com/wingfest/

Thurs., Sept. 19

Friends of Southwest Public Libraries Big Book Sale Noon-7 p.m.

Grove City Library, 3959 Broadway www.swpl.org

Fri., Sept. 20

Summer Outdoor Concert: The Twylights

6:30-8 p.m.

Town Center Park, 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov

Fri.-Sun., Sept. 20-22

Arts in the Alley & Voice of Grove City

Friday: 5-9 p.m.

Saturday: 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Parade 9:30 a.m.

Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Town Center, 3359 Park St. www.gcchamber.org

Sept. 27-Oct. 13

The Passion of Dracula

Various times

Little Theatre Off Broadway, 3981 Broadway www.ltob.org

Fri., Sept. 27

Summer Outdoor Concert: The Conspiracy Band 6:30-8 p.m.

Town Center Park, 3359 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov

Events subject to change. Consult websites for details and updates.

Photos courtesy of City of Grove City

Sat., Sept. 28

Community Shredding Day

8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Park Street Intermediate School, 3205 Park St. www.grovecityohio.gov

Sat., Sept. 28

SWACO Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off

8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kingston Center, 3226 Kingston Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov

Saturdays, Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12

Grove City Community Club

Fall Harvest Market

8 a.m.-Noon Town Center, 3444 Park St. www.grovecitycommunityclub.org

Sat., Sept. 28

Grove City PrideFest 2024

1-5 p.m.

Town Center Park, 3359 Park St. www.prideingc.org

Sat., Sept. 28

Southwest Franklin County Historical Society Open House 2-4 p.m.

Century Village at Fryer Park, 4185 Orders Rd. www.grovecityohio.gov

Oct. 4-Nov. 3

Minion Hunt Town Center www.grovecityohio.gov

Fri.-Sun., Oct. 4-6

Autumn Adventures

Various Grove City locations

Watch for event details www.grovecityohio.gov

Sun., Oct. 6

5K-9 Rescue Dog Walk/Run

10:30 a.m.

Breck Community Park, 3005 Demorest Rd. www.tedberryevents.com

Sun., Oct. 6

Old-Time Harvest Day

Noon-4 p.m.

Century Village at Fryer Park, 4185 Orders Rd. www.grovecityohio.gov

Fri., Oct. 11

Chamber Foundation Fundraiser

6-10:30 p.m.

Aladdin Shrine Center, 1801 Gateway Cir. www.gcchamber.org

Wed., Oct. 16

Visit Grove City Grand Opening 11 a.m.

Visit Grove City, 4060 Broadway New location in October www.visitgrovecityoh.com

Sat., Oct. 19

Evans Center Craft Bazaar

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Evans Center, 4330 Dudley Ave. www.grovecityohio.gov

Sat., Oct. 26

Boo Off Broadway Noon-4 p.m.

Town Center Park, 3359 Park St. www.gcchamber.org

Thurs., Oct. 31

Beggars’ Night 6-8 p.m.

Throughout Grove City www.grovecityohio.gov

Food Truck Festival and Shop Hop

Fridays, 4-9 p.m.

Sept. 13, 20, 27

Oct. 11, 25

Town Center

Broadway and Park St. www.heartofgrovecity.org

Minion Hunt

Boo Off Broadway

RecSchool Rising Mayor’s Message

One of the most treasured programs of our Parks and Recreation Department offerings is RecSchool, the nature-based education program for preschool-aged children. While the curriculum itself hasn’t changed since teachers and staff left the big red barn at Gantz Park in 2022, it’s just not the same as learning in an environment surrounded by nature.

It was disappointing for all involved when we were advised the historic red barn was so heavily damaged by a colony of bats that demolition was the safest option.

It was the children and staff who were top-of-mind as plans for its replacement were developed. The new facility blends modern educational needs with a deep appreciation for the natural environment of Gantz Park, continuing the tradition of being a unique and enriching place for young learners of all abilities.

The single-story 3,400-square-foot building will feature two well-equipped classrooms and a versatile flex space. One of the standout features of the new RecSchool design is the nature deck, which will look out over the park and Marsh Run stream. The architectural design of the new building

pays homage to the original structure that so many in the community fondly remember with an aesthetic inspired by the big red barn.

The new $1.9-million RecSchool building offers even more space for this popular program. Registration for the 2025-2026 school year, which opens in February, will reflect the increased enrollment capacity.

Construction began in July and will not impact community usage of Gantz Park’s other amenities, including The Gardens at Gantz Farm, the labyrinth, walking paths, shelters and restrooms. But most importantly for the younger residents, the playground will remain open throughout construction.

The new building represents a significant investment in the future of Grove City’s RecSchool program while preserving a beloved part of the park’s history. While we were sad to see the old barn go, we look forward to the new facility and the many opportunities it brings to our young learners.

Richard L. “Ike” Stage Mayor

Photo courtesy of Community Design Alliance

Richard L. “Ike” Stage

Brennen’s Orthopedic Practice MOST TRUSTED

“It was just an average warmup before a game. I felt my knee move out of place and I fell to the ground. I wanted to finish the season, but knew I would eventually need surgery. We were given a great plan by the team at Orthopedic ONE. They got me back on the field doing what I love. ”

-Brennen Ward, Football Standout and Orthopedic ONE patient

Jason Ferrel, M.D. Sports Medicine Surgeon

Jeremy Jones, M.D. Neck & Spine Surgeon

Fighting the Litter Bug

Plogger cleans up Grove City

While many people spend their runs listening to music or enjoying the scenery, John Smith tries to spend his picking up trash.

As a proud plogger and family man, Smith runs around Grove City with a messenger bag strapped across his chest and a trash picker in hand helping to beautify his community one piece of trash at a time.

Plogging in the park

Though you may be familiar with vlogging and blogging, plogging is an environmental term that describes the act of people combining their daily jog with picking up litter. Smith started his plogging journey in Ocean View, Virginia.

“We lived in Ocean View, which is a part of Norfolk, and there’s a lot of trash out there. And, you know, running to me is just boring on its own, right? So, I was thinking of anything I could to make it better,” Smith says. “And I thought I could pick up trash while I was running and then I might be able to do something for the community and run at the same time.”

Smith found a love for running while serving as a nuclear machinist mate in the Navy. He spent almost 10 years controlling the water chemistry on the reactor plants of aircraft carriers before joining the U.S. Navy Reserves in 2019.

“[Physical fitness tests] were one of my favorite parts about being in the military, honestly. Every six months I got to see how far I’ve come along as far as my running went. A lot of people didn’t enjoy that, as you can imagine, but I liked it,” Smith says.

Early on, Smith found that running could get tedious and boring. Music just wasn’t cutting it anymore.

Photos courtesy of John Smith

Beautifying Grove City

Smith is a member of Keep Grove City Beautiful, an environmental preservation group, that focuses on recycling and beautification. Alongside the big part they have in EcoFest every year, there are several other things they help organize including:

• Waste pickup

• Shredding day

• Medicine drop-off

As a man who loves to serve his community, he took to cleaning up the streets during his daily exercise.

He found a gardening bag lying around his house and purchased a trash picker, grabbing stray items off of the side of the road and posting his hauls of litter on Instagram.

“It gives you a way that you can do community service on your own schedule,” Smith says. “We keep ourselves so busy that volunteering with the community, or community service in general is not something that everyone has time for. But, if you have time to go for a run or a walk, you could try it out.”

Reduce-Recycle-Rerun

“I’m not a big social media person, other than posting my runs to give me

a way to track my progress. I post a picture with my time, my distance, and my pace, and then you can get an idea of how much trash I picked up by the picture,” Smith says.

While some ploggers weigh their trash per run, Smith takes a hands-on approach and sorts out his trash after every run, categorizing it by material type and frequency.

He tries his best to make his posts informative by raising awareness for the frequency of discarded trash that fills Grove City.

To grow awareness, Smith started a Facebook group in 2019 called ReduceRecycle-Rerun (RRRerun), sharing the same name as his own personal Instagram account, to gather the interest of fellow runners.

“I thought, ‘If I start a Facebook group, maybe other people would see it and maybe they might be inspired to get out and do something on their own,’” Smith says. “Reduce, recycle, rerun. Reduce the amount of trash on the ground, recycle what you pick up, and rerun just means do it again.”

Including members from John’s old home of Norfolk and familiar Grove City faces, the group shares posts from personal plogging ventures to infographics about local community cleanups. They also don’t shy away from sharing running memes and commenting encouraging thoughts on each other’s posts.

The contributions of the RRRerun members help impact their own health as well as their community’s. Smith’s main goal is to inspire other people to get outside, get moving in whatever way they can, and get involved in cleaning up their city.

Family matters

Having spent so many years in active duty in the military, Smith was ready to settle into a calmer life with his family. Since taking on his current role as a transmission system operator at American Electric Power, Smith has finally started to master the work-liferunning balance.

“(My kids) take up pretty much any time outside of work,” he says. “I do a lot of running with my seven-yearold, and sometimes with my two-yearold if I want to push a stroller. That gives me something to do where I can take care of myself and I can spend time with them.”

Smith and his wife, Shevelle, have two children, Foster, age seven, and Gatlin, age two. As a family, they enjoy spending as much time together and outside as possible. Frequenters of the Lake Logan campgrounds, the Smith family loves camping and fishing together.

When the family is closer to home, Smith does what he can to stay active

John Smith enjoys running, including at local events such as the Grove City Firecracker 5k.

and involved in his family. After work, he unwinds with a daily run.

“Foster pulls a trailer on his bicycle, so I’ll run and put the trash in the trailer as he’s riding in front of me. And that’s some of our quality time,” Smith says. “There are ponds all over Grove City, and he’s an outdoor nut, so we’ll stop and he’ll dig snails out of the pond during our run. And I mean, I love that about running, that it’s something I can share with him.”

Smith jokes that his son loves resource games like Minecraft, which have since influenced him to collect his own resources. Foster has created his very own scrap metal collec-

tion from some of the litter he and his father collect, similar to his resourcefulness while playing video games.

“You know, I could come home and we could sit in front of the TV together, or I could watch him play video games, but it’s just way better when we can get out and do something together,” Smith says. “When you tie everything together, it’s a lot of impact. You know, in my life and his life, and in the community also. It’s one of the best things about it.”

Mary Nader is a contributing writer at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mnader@cityscenemediagroup.com.

John Smith (far right) with his wife, Shevelle and their two children, Foster and Gatlin.

Photos courtesy of John Smith

Join the party and help us celebrate!

Meet BRUTUS! Food, cash bar, music, digital photo booth, SWAG bags and more!

The VUE, 95 Liberty St. Sept. 25, 5:30 p.m.

First 200 people receive signature cocktail and SWAG bag!

VENUE SPONSOR

City’s Administrative Leadership Grows City News

The City is pleased to promote and welcome a dynamic group of administrative staff members. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the team, reflecting the ongoing commitment to meet the evolving needs of the growing community.

Deputy City Administrator Cindi Fitzpatrick

Public Service Director Shannon Hamons

City Council approved the addition of a second deputy city administrator position earlier this year and Cindi Fitzpatrick stepped into the role after 10 years in the Public Service Department, serving as public service director since December 2015. In her new role, Fitzpatrick is responsible for the departments of parks and recreation and public service, as well as strategic city initiatives. A lifelong resident and Grove City High School graduate, Fitzpatrick holds a civil engineering degree from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s degree in public administration from Franklin University.

Parks and Recreation Director Jack Castle

Jack Castle joined the City as the director of Parks and Recreation in June, filling a position created when Kim Conrad retired earlier this year. Castle brings more than two decades of operational and management experience as past assistant director with the City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department. A resident and Grove City High School alum, Castle holds a bachelor’s degree in fitness and sports management from Ohio University and a master’s degree in sports administration from Eastern Kentucky University.

Shannon Hamons joins the team as the City’s new public service director following Cindi Fitzpatrick’s promotion in May. His experience in building, zoning and economic development spans nearly 30 years with more than two decades of service in the public sector, including a previous appointment with the City of Grove City as development director from 1993 to 1999. Hamons, a Grove City resident, completed his bachelor’s degree at Bowling Green State University and graduate studies in city and regional planning at The Ohio State University. He is a member of the International City/County Management Association and the Ohio Economic Development Association.

Human Resource Division Chief

Kimberly Hettinger

City Council approved the addition of a Human Resource Division Chief to the City’s administrative staff earlier this year. Kimberly Hettinger was appointed in July, joining longtime Human Resource Coordinator Vikki Stoneking, in attracting, developing and retaining talent for the City. Hettinger has more than 20 years of public and private sector human resource management experience, most recently serving as chief operating officer and director of human resources for the New York State Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery. A Grove City High School graduate and resident, she received her bachelor’s degree from The City University of New York, where she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education.

Photos courtesy of City of Grove City

Then and Now

St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church has a rich legacy dating from the mid-19th century, starting with the pictured building on the corner of Columbus Street and Arbutus Avenue. This historic landmark owes its existence to the generosity of our city’s founder, William Foster Breck, who in 1853 transferred the land deed to the German and English Church Trustees for $1, specifically to build a Lutheran church.

The Original Lutheran Church Building

Construction was quickly completed, and the church was officially dedicated New Year’s Day 1854. Two Lutheran congregations worshipped in the building, one providing services in German and the other English. Over the next 35 years, the structure served congregations that saw change and growth, including the English ownership selling to the German. The English Lutheran

Council Corner

Reliable cellular service is crucial for both personal and professional communication. Amid growing concerns about insufficient service, City Council and Administration have taken significant steps toward improving connectivity within our community – an effort that began nearly five years ago.

It’s important to note, the city does not provide or manage cellular service for the community. We, too, are limited by the coverage carriers provide, which we agree needs improvement. In 2020, the city collected cellular connectivity data from our area and shared it with three major service providers, intending to create action for improved service. However, progress has been slow.

To facilitate efforts for improvement, in 2023, City officials enlisted Arcadia Towers, a leading developer of wireless cell tower infrastructure,

congregation dissolved to form the community’s first Presbyterian Church in 1858.

By 1889, the congregation had outgrown the original building, prompting construction of a new church 200 yards east of the original site. Crews first needed to transfer several graves from the new location to where they rest today on Grove City Road. The new building was larger and better suited to the

needs of the growing St. John’s Church congregation and is where services have been held for the last 135 years.

The original building, however, did not fade into obscurity. Instead, it continued to serve the church in various capacities, as a parish house and Sunday school, maintaining its role as a cornerstone of the church community.

In 1927, after nearly seven decades of church ownership, the building was sold, serving as a private residence to various families before commercial enterprises made it their home.

From its modest beginnings years before settling into its original building in 1853, to the vibrant congregation that exists today, St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is celebrating 175 years of faith and fellowship through all of 2024.

Cell Service Improvements Forthcoming

to conduct an analysis of Grove City’s service area. A key recommendation based on the study was to construct eight to 10 additional towers to meet the city’s current needs and anticipated growth. Moving swiftly to support their recommendations, the city entered a five-year agreement with Arcadia, opening the door for them to market cityowned properties to service providers as possible tower locations.

In July, the Mayor and City Council corresponded with all wireless service providers, emphasizing the need for enhanced connectivity, citing a direct link to public safety, community growth, economic vitality, education and healthcare. Additionally, legislation was passed to update zoning regulations, allowing for the construction of towers through special use permits, streamlining the process and minimizing delays.

Arcadia’s experienced and strategic site-planning efforts, coupled with continued pressure from Council and Administration encourages swift action from service providers. The efforts are realizing results as budget commitments from providers are anticipated as early as 2025. We hope to see tower construction and better coverage immediately following.

Randy Holt Council Member,

Ward 2

Mark Sigrist, At-Large; Ted Berry, Ward 1; Melissa Anderson, Ward 4; Randy Holt, Ward 2, President Christine Houk, Ward 3; Jodi Burroughs, At-Large; Rodney Dew, Ward 5.

By Kyle Quinlan

Honor and Leadership

Grove City High School’s award-winning NJROTC program builds leaders

When you hear of the high school level Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, some may think this program is designed to train soldiers and military personnel, ready to defend the country post-graduation.

Although many students from this program do enter the military upon completion, this “citizen development program” has far more to offer students than the path to a military career.

“The program is not to recruit kids in the military,” Senior Naval Science Instructor, Commander Dustin Martin, says. “The program is to build these young men and women into future leaders. Possibly in the military, but it’s also in the civilian world and their community.”

Classwork and more

Now retired after more than 22 years of active duty in the Navy, Martin is entering his eighth year as the pri-

Up There With the Best

Through many levels of criteria – including academic performance, community service engagement and placements in extracurricular competitions with other NJROTC programs in the nation, such as air rifle and cyber defense teams – Grove City High School has been recognized as the 2023-2024 Most Outstanding Unit of Area 14 – an honor the school has not received since 1998.

Area 14 is a region of the 614 national NJROTC programs across the country, made up of 26 units from Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and West Virginia that Grove City rose above.

The Greyhound unit has also been awarded five years in a row with the Distinguished Unit Award with Academic Honors, which elevates Grove City High School’s program into the top 10 percent of all NJROTC units.

mary leader of Grove City High School’s program - the Greyhounds.

Recommissioned in 1994, the NJROTC program acts as a typical high school course, where those enrolled meet one period a day for the academic portion of their experience.

What Martin says separates their unit from others across the nation is their emphasis on the students taking charge, oftentimes leading class in presentations and attendance, as well as shaping their curriculum.

Learning in the classroom can stretch from ocean sciences and government history to more hands-on lessons such as marksmanship and military life.

“One of the things we take pride in is that this is a cadet-led unit,” Martin says. “Yes, we will guide them, but the cadets (who will be leaders) get together at the end of the school year and set the goals for next year. We’re there to be those guideposts, so they stay inside the lines.”

NJROTC also has many extracurriculars through the program, such as precision drill and ceremony teams,

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plus drone teams, which compete against other units in the Midwest and even on a national level.

Whether it’s the academic lesson of the day or an extracurricular competition, the Greyhound unit is focused on developing into good members of society through its disciplined and structured program.

“Building teamwork, leadership, mentorship and selfdiscipline are the keys for young people to be successful in the future no matter what they do: if they go to college, vocational school or the military,” Martin says. “That’s what’s going to set them apart.”

Who joins NJROTC and why

Naturally, this program attracts students interested in a military career after high school. Regardless of the branch or specialty a cadet may want to pursue, benefits such as increased responsibility, higher compensation and quickly attaining leadership roles will be granted to NJROTC graduates – essentially advancing their military career before even joining.

“The military rewards these people for doing the program,” Martin says. “So if you do three years in the Navy JROTC and you just go straight into the United States Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard, they promote you two ranks higher than anybody else that came out of any high school.”

While this program certainly provides a strong foundation with perks for the military-focused students, Martin estimates that only about 30-40 percent actually enter the military after graduating from Grove City’s NJROTC.

This results in many students choosing NJROTC for alternative reasons, such as getting involved with the program’s extracurricular activities, fulfilling their physical education credit or just looking to meet similarly driven friends at school.

“It’s all about what a kid wants to put into it. It’s not like signing up for the military,” Martin says. “There’s no military obligation whatsoever. It’s just a high school class.”

He says students can wear the uniform once a week as required for inspection, participate in the program and leave after two years, or graduate with no intention to pursue the military. While this does occur, there have been many students who have joined with this exact mindset, though the NJROTC experience completely redefines their course.

Caroline Richards, a 2022 graduate of the Grove City program, was initially one of those students looking to fulfill her physical education credit – knowing very little about the NJROTC as a freshman.

After sitting through classes on her anxiety-filled first day of high school, Richards took an unexpected liking to the NJROTC program from the moment she stepped through the classroom door.

“I remember my first day in NJROTC. The instructors were greeting us all when we walked in, introducing us to themselves and each other,” Richards says. “It was just a totally different environment where it was more about them getting to know us as people rather than just being like, ‘Okay, here’s the syllabus and what you’re going to learn in this class.’ It was the only class that day I didn’t hate.”

This affinity for the program would not end after obtaining her physical education credit. She went on to spend all four years of high school in NJROTC, eventually becoming the commanding officer as a senior, as well as the drill team captain.

She now attends Miami University on a scholarship with Navy ROTC, with the goal of becoming a naval officer postgraduation – a goal she might not have known without Martin and the Grove City program.

“It really put me on a great path because I honestly have no idea what I would have done in my life or what I would have ended up being if I didn’t go that route,” Richards says. “Doing this program definitely helped me figure out what I’m good at, what I’m bad at and what I enjoy and want to do.”

Kyle Quinlan is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Everyone is Welcome

Pride in GC brings LGBTQIA+-focused events closer to home

By Jake Ruffer

Stepping into Grove City’s Local Cantina on a Tuesday, you might find a group sharing a high table and a few drinks by the windows that look out over Broadway.

With plenty of laughs to go around the members of Pride in GC, provide community for people identifying with LGBTQIA+ groups as well as allies.

Formed in the spring of 2022, Pride in GC offers resources, a good time and even someone to talk to. The organization is committed to building community and fellowship as well as advocacy for LGBTQIA+ populations. “Be you and join us!” the mission statement reads.

Filling a need

It all started with a small group of people noticing a trend during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since large gatherings weren’t happening, people couldn’t gather downtown for bigger Pride Month events. Other Columbus suburbs were starting their own Pride groups and events, and it was suggested that the same could be done in Grove City.

Leslie Anderson is Pride in GC’s president. She helped get the group off the ground, taking up the main task of extending Pride into her town.

Pride in GC board at its first Pride weekend in 2022.

Photos courtesy of Leslie Anderson

“If you live in the southwest quarter of Franklin County, we drive to create a safe space in our community,” Anderson says.

Hannah Mayle, board secretary of Pride in GC, says the organization plays an important local role that before went unfulfilled.

“It’s really important, I think, to have a community organization that supports LGBTQ people at every stage in life, and just to let them know that they’re heard and that they’re visible in this community,” she says. “I only came to Grove City like six years ago, so I’m still new to it, but it makes me feel hopeful about how great this community can really be.”

The community seems to agree with Mayle, showing a growing enthusiasm for the group and its programming since it was formed. Anderson says the community has supported the programming with growing participation over the past three years.

Festivities for the future

The September after Pride in GC was formed, the organization hosted

Pride in GC President Leslie Anderson (center left) and board members volunteer at a member’s event at Pins Mechanical.

Photos courtesy of Leslie Anderson

a PrideFest to provide a gathering for people in the community. While June is recognized in the U.S. as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, Pride in GC wanted to expand the celebration.

“September is National Coming Out Month, so we kind of used that and decided we would plant our flag and be the fall Pride,” Anderson says. The family-friendly event has grown

since the inaugural festival in 2022. Last year it was held at Grove City’s Town Center and featured the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus and the band Session Five.

“We had live music for most of the day and food trucks and vendors, and it felt like a real festival,” Anderson says. “I think people really noticed, and were really excited to have it in their community and their town.”

She hopes they can continue to build on that success for the next PrideFest taking place on Saturday, Sept. 28.

TAKE A SELF-GUIDED PUBLIC ART TOUR

Besides growing the event, Pride in GC also wants to increase the number of activities it does year-round, exercising local partnerships like the one it has with Local Cantina while also making new ones.

The Tuesday happy hours are biweekly throughout the year and the board is also planning a skating party, and talking about taking a trip to a pumpkin patch – all in the continued interest of creating spaces for people to connect.

“In Grove City we try to do events all the time,” Anderson says. “Everybody is welcome, and if they see something that we’re doing that looks fun to them, they should definitely check it out and make some friends.”

Jake Ruffer is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at feedback@cityscenemediagroup.com.

Members and volunteers march in the Grove City Christmas Parade.

A Pride Weekend event held at Local Cantina in 2022.

Photos courtesy of Leslie Anderson

Student Spotlight

By Maisie Fitzmaurice

Teenage Lifesavers

Pre-nursing students at South-Western Career Academy gain hospital experiences

When every second counts, nurses are there to assist. For one South-Western Career Academy (SWCA) student, assisting came before she was a registered nurse – or even a high school graduate.

One afternoon the 16-year-old was shopping for groceries when she saw a young girl collapse to the ground. Because she had spent a year in SWCA’s pre-nursing program and was beginning her work-based learning program, she knew how to spring into action during an emergency and used chest compression to save a child’s life.

While this was an unexpected scenario for a student, registered nurses working in hospitals see individuals in critical condition daily, and having real-

SWCA pre-nursing students practice opening airways using manikins.

Photos courtesy of SWCSD staff

OCTOBER

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been closed off to other staff members. The experience showed him the importance of cultivating trust between himself and a patient as a healthcare professional.

“He would find little things for her to do where she was helping him and it really created a bond,” McNeil says.

Another benefit for students in the work-based learning program is getting paid for their positions as PSAs.

The students in the program often leave high school having made around $20,000 or more, not including tuition money they’ll receive if they continue working as little as one weekend a month at an OhioHealth facility while studying at a university.

Programs like the one through OhioHealth have grown in recent years to mitigate the anticipated deficit of nurses expected nationally in the coming years.

“Just in the state of Ohio, by the year 2028, we’re going to have over 300,000 nurses retire,” Debbie Stith, career pathway specialist at SWCA, says. “We don’t have bodies in colleges getting licenses to replace that… (OhioHealth said) let’s

help them pay for colleges so they can continue on and get their different licenses…and the goal is then to kind of

grow them in (OhioHealth’s) system and not lose them.”

Future impacts

Before this partnership, nursing students would often get their field experience working in an assisted care facility. By working in a hospital instead, they get a broader view of different healthcare disciplines, helping them determine what area of healthcare they may be interested in studying post-high school.

Even those not interested in becoming registered nurses will still gain experience, pay and potential financial assistance as PSAs.

“I’ve got two (students) that are now going into research, (they said) ‘This was my favorite patient, and she died because of this. I’m going to change that. That’s not going to happen again,’” McNeil says. “Being able to go on different floors at OhioHealth, where they’re offering that opportunity, that’s when the students kind of hone where they’re being called to meet that need of health(care).”

No matter what plan the students have after graduation, participating in

Pre-nursing student Jacqueline Robollar Pedraza receives recognition for her work in the program.

the program gives them a competitive edge when applying to higher learning institutions.

“If you have a student, even if they have stellar academics, and you have a student very similar academically but also has clinical experience, the college will take the student with a clinical experience, because, let’s be honest, healthcare is not the nicest of the fields. We’re a little gross,” McNeil says. “If they’ve got somebody who’s experienced that clinically, they’re much more likely to continue, graduate and/ or pass the state licensure.”

Not just anyone is eligible for the program. Students must first pass a state-tested nurse aide (STNA) exam, which is the focus of their studies as sophomores in the program. They must also retain a 95 percent or higher attendance rate, have a good GPA and transportation, and most importantly be compassionate, driven and reliable.

“The phrase I use with the students is, ‘(Patients are) living, breathing human beings who want to stay that way,’” McNeil says. “I want them to have enough fear that they’re very careful…and it’s no longer a patient or disease or a room number, but it’s a person that they’re connecting with and taking care of, and that’s the goal of healthcare, is to treat our human beings the way we would like to be (treated).”

Maisie Fitzmaurice is an editor at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at mfitzmaurice@ cityscenemediagroup.com.

NEW TRADESMAN FAMILY

Versatile boots

Parading Properties

BIA Parade of Homes returns to Grove City

Returning for the annual Building Industry Association (BIA) Parade of Homes, the properties this year are classy, modern and perfect for comfortable living. From builders including Pulte Homes, Schottenstein Homes and Epcon Communities, the Parade showcases more than 50 homes with amazing design and lifestyle options.

The Parade showcases multiple homes located in and around Grove City, all with stunning details built by awardwinning developers. From the countryside to central Grove City, there are enough homes to spend the weekend touring and gathering inspiration.

In Grove City there are several single and multifamily properties to explore. Epcon Communities returns to the Parade with a condominium in Beulah Park that features a gourmet kitchen and multipurpose sunroom that provides natural lighting throughout the home.

Beulah Park was the Parade’s Feature Development in 2022. This year, Jerome Village is the Feature Community.

Just south of Grove City near Commercial Point, M/I Homes entered a property located on Bethpage Boulevard which is just a short distance from The Players Club at Foxfire Golf Course.

CityScene Media Group, publisher of Discover Grove City Magazine, is partnering with the BIA to create the Official Event Guide for the 2024 Parade. Guides are distributed at Parade homes and a digital edition with all tour home addresses can be accessed free at www.cityscenecolumbus.com.

Amber Phipps is an editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Feedback welcome at aphipps@cityscenemediagroup.com

Photos courtesy of BIA

A round Grove City

Concert Series

Summer

Movies in the Park

Heritage Bikes Slow Roll

Top homes sold in Grove City

In June, the median price of Grove City homes rose 5.8 percent to $372,504. Homes in Grove City are typically on the market for 37 days, six days less than last year’s average. In the month of June, 58 homes were sold which is down from 79 last June. (Data from Redfin)

All information is collected from the Franklin County Auditor’s Office.

what’s your style?

3656 Beulah Park Dr.

4 beds, 3.5 baths

$690,000

Sold 6/18/24

1798 Stargrass Ave.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$600,000 Sold 7/10/24

1880 Southchase Ct.

4 beds, 4 baths

$600,000

Sold 7/10/24

1269 Golfview Ln.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$600,000

Sold 5/30/24

1755 Silverlawn Dr.

3 beds, 2.5 baths

$550,000

Sold 5/31/24

2695 Longridge Wy.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$549,900

Sold 6/7/24

• The Official Magazine of Grove City

• Mailed to more than 20,000 homes in Grove City and Jackson Township

• Mailed to EVERY Grove City Business

• Community Calendar

• Award-winning design / editorial

• The Source exclusively found in every issue

5873 Copper Ct.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$540,000

Sold 7/22/24

3409 Belgreen Dr.

3 beds, 3.5 baths

$535,900

Sold 7/2/24

1423 Hemetite Dr.

4 beds, 2.5 baths

$505,000

Sold 5/17/24

4590 Tayport Ave.

3 beds, 2.5 baths

$494,900

Sold 7/22/24

4724 Goodman St.

3 beds, 2.5 baths

$474,500

Sold 7/17/24

955 Heimat Haus Dr.

3 beds, 2.5 baths

$473,200

Sold 7/2/24

Fall

When Women Were Dragons (fiction) by

Kelly Barnhill

In an alternate fantastical history 1955 America, hundreds of thousands of housewives grew wings and scales and left their families. Young Alex Green is left with a mother who didn’t change, a cousin who is now her sister and a forced silence about the whole event. When Women Were Dragons offers a captivating story as Alex looks back on her childhood and puts the pieces together.

Just Some Stupid Love Story (fiction) by

Katelyn Doyle

What happens when a rom-com screenwriter, who doesn’t believe in love, and a divorce attorney, who does, are forced together at their high school reunion 15 years after their breakup? Find out in this entertaining read.

The House of Doors (historical fiction) by Tan Twan Eng

Set in 1921 Malaysia and based on real events, this gripping, acclaimed novel explores race, gender, sexuality and power under empire, while delving into the complexities of love and friendship in its shadow.

Same as It Ever Was (fiction) by Claire Lombardo

After a difficult childhood filled with upheaval, Julia Ames has found herself on the calm plateau of mid-life, finally feeling like she has things under control. She’s unprepared, though, for a surprise announcement from her son, an impending separation from her teenage daughter, and a resurrection of the past, all of which threaten to upset the status quo. Same As It Ever Was offers a powerful exploration of family life, motherhood, and self.

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches (fantasy) by Sangu Mandanna

A warm and uplifting novel about an isolated witch whose opportunity to embrace a quirky new family – and a new love – changes the course of her life.

The Fury (thriller) by Alex Michaelides

A reclusive ex-movie star and her closest friends find themselves trapped on an idyllic private Greek Island. What follows in is a cat-and-mouse game filled with lots of twists and turns, ending in an unforgettable climax.

West with Giraffes (historical fiction) by Lynda Rutledge

Inspired by the true story of how two giraffes survived a hurricane while being transported across the Atlantic and then captivated the nation with their 12-day road trip from New York to the San Diego Zoo in 1938. West with Giraffes mixes real-life and fictional figures in an engrossing story that explores the transformative power of animals, the kindness of strangers, and a story told before it’s too late.

Husbands & Lovers (historical fiction) by Beatriz Williams

You won’t be able to put this novel down! A story about the heartbreak and redemption of two women, separated by decades and continents. Mallory had a fairy tale life until she experienced a devastating betrayal. Hungarian refugee Hannah rebuilt her life after intense tragedy when a fateful encounter leads her to a sacrifice that will echo down the generations.

The GUIDE PARKS AND RECREATION GUIDE

SEPT.-OCT. 2024

Online and office registration begins Monday, Aug. 26

Welcome to the Source!

The Source highlights Parks and Rec. programs, activities and amenities. See page 11 for a list of classes. For additional details, access the registration system at bit.ly/gcpReg or a pdf class outline online.

The CivicRec registration system and website allows people to find information and register online where they can sort classes by age, type of program and day of the week.

Online viewing allows users to personalize options to fit their families’ schedules and interests while accessing fresher, more accurate information.

Visit bit.ly/gcpReg or go to GroveCityOhio.gov and follow prompts from the Parks & Rec. page.

Questions? Staff are available to help! For preschool, youth and adult programs, call or visit the Kingston Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. For programs and activities for ages 55+, call or visit the Evans Center, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Walk-in registration and payment are available at both locations. Payment cannot be made by phone.

PARKS & RECREATION OFFICES

Kingston Center 614-277-3050

3226 Kingston Ave.

General information and preschool, youth and adult class registration

Evans Center ................ 614-277-1060

4330 Dudley Ave. 55+ information and class registration; contact information for senior services

Gantz Farmhouse

2255 Home Road

614-277-3058

Herb garden and Gardens at Gantz Farm Volunteer information

Weather Hot Line

614-277-3060

Status updates on events, sports and programs (e.g., rain outs)

SOCIAL MEDIA

Grove City Parks and Recreation

@GroveCityParks

City of Grove City

@GroveCityOhio

KEY CITY OFFICES

City Hall

4035 Broadway

Parks and Recreation Inclement Weather Policy

Classes and programs may be canceled due to adverse conditions (road and playing surface conditions, lack of utilities, etc.).

• For updates, call 614-277-3060, visit GroveCityOhio.gov or check Parks & Rec. Facebook and Instagram accounts.

• Later updates due to incoming weather/condition changes are made to the phone line

• Participation is always at the discretion of a minor participant’s parent/ guardian or the adult participant.

Outdoor Sports/Activities

• Cancellations for evening activities are determined based on field conditions by 4 p.m. by Parks and Rec. personnel.

• Contests may be canceled later if incoming weather affects conditions. Call 614-277-3060 for updates.

• Do not use dirt or grass infields of closed fields as it may cause damage requiring repair and cause further cancellations.

Indoor Sports/Activities

614-277-3000

Service ......................... 614-277-1100

3262 Ventura Blvd.

Public Safety/Police 614-277-1710

2255 Home Road

• Weekday classes and programs are canceled when the South-Western City School District closes due to inclement weather.

• If conditions change, evening classes may be canceled at the discretion of Parks and Recreation personnel by 4 p.m.

• Weekend cancellations are made by 7 a.m., Saturday and 11 a.m., Sunday

Gardens, Nature and Herb Classes

Herb Classes

Combining creativity with nature is just one way the Gardens at Gantz Farm staff and volunteers share their knowledge. Join an upcoming class to create beautiful, useful items or learn a new approach to gardening.

• Bubble Bath Play Dough Ages: 6-9

Wed., 9/11; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Create play dough to sculpt fun shapes or play with until it melts away into bubbles in the tub.

• Frightfully Fun Night Ages: 6-12

Fri., 10/25; 6:30-8 p.m.

Wear your best costumes and take part in thrilling spooky games.

• Scary Fairy Garden Ages: 6-9

Thu., 10/24; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Create an eerie miniature garden in a pot using spooky-looking houseplants and ghostly and ghoulish embellishments.

• Witch Hazel’s Super Scary Spa Night Ages: 9-11

Tue., 10/29; 6:30-8 p.m.

Come in costume for a spooky spa night: a ghoulish face mask, werewolf-bite manicures and vampire-repelling perfume!

• Garden Library

Wed., 9/18; 6:30-9 p.m.

Paint paver stones to create “books” for a garden library.

• Aromatherapy Pendants Tue., 9/24; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Enjoy an aromatherapy experience on the go with an air-dried clay pendant infused with oil.

• Sleepy Thyme Thu., 10/10; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Fashion a dream pillow, pillow spray and an essential oil reed diffuser to help relax.

• Herb Bombs, Salts & Vinegars Tue., 10/22; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Learn fun new ways to preserve your herb harvest.

• Soft Pretzels for Snacking Tue., 9/17; 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Cook up a variety of flavors of soft pretzels and dipping sauces.

• Herb Mustards Thu., 10/17; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Create one flavor of herbal mustard and receive recipes for more easy, inexpensive versions.

Learning Together Preschool Parent-child Nature Classes

Share playful learning activities (creative, active and social) as you paint, build with blocks, draw, sing and dance. Everyone should dress for play and exploration.

• Caterpillars and Butterflies Ages: 2-3

Tue., 9/17-9/24; 6-7 p.m.

Experience hands-on learning about caterpillars and butterflies through play in a classroom setting.

• Colorful Fall Leaves Ages: 2-3

Tue., 10/15-10/22; 6-7 p.m.

Use hands-on activities to learn about natural fall changes through play in a classroom setting.

Program Age Groups

For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Register starting Mon., 8/26

See page 11 for the list of Parks & Rec. classes for September and October.

Team Sports

Grove City offers various team sports for ages 5 through adult. Register online or in the Kingston Center during the assigned month. Spaces are limited; registration may close before the end of the month. Youth and adaptive program players register by individual and are assigned to a team. Adults register by team.

Youth Basketball ($88 per player; $93 non residents)

Focus on fun and fundamentals in a recreational league for all skill levels! Boys and girls compete separately in grade-based leagues with games on Saturdays. Teams practice one evening per week and may start as late as 8 p.m. Each players receives a reversible mesh jersey.

Register by individual online or in person in the Kingston Center during October. Spaces are limited. Teams are determined via blind draft conducted by Parks & Rec. staff.

• Grades K-12

• Practice starts the week of 12/2

• Games start Sat., 1/4

Preschool Team Sports

Grove City Parks & Rec. partners with Bally Sports to offer beginner team sports experiences for ages 3-4 in T-ball, soccer and basketball. Visit bit.ly/BallySportsGC for more information and to register.

• Little Ballers Basketball ($85 per player)

Ages: 4-5

Hayes Intermediate School Tue., 11/5-12/10; 6:15-7:15 p.m. or 7:15-8:15 p.m.

A fun and educational first basketball experience that teaches games fundamentals in an encouraging atmosphere offering developmentally appropriate instruction and modified, recreational game play.

Don’t miss your chance to participate!

Team sports involve scheduling fields and officials, and ordering uniforms for youth leagues, so registration happens well ahead of the season.

Youth Sports Registration

• Little League (Ages: 5-17): February

• Fall Baseball (Ages: 5-17): June

• Volleyball (Grades: 3-12): August

• Basketball (Grades: K-12): October

Adult Sports Registration

• Spring/Summer Softball: March

• Spring Cornhole: March

• Summer Cornhole: May

• Fall Cornhole: July

• Fall Softball: July

• Volleyball: December

Adaptive Sports Registration

• Spring Buddy Ball (Ages: 4+, 16+): February-March

• Fall Adult Buddy Ball (Ages: 16+): Mid-July-August

See page 11 for the list of Parks & Rec. classes for September and October.

Fitness & Dance

Physical activity is important for health for all ages. Whether you are into self-guided activities like utilizing bike paths or enjoy group classes, Grove City Parks & Rec. has something for you!

Lead-up Sports and Fitness

Preschoolers build communication and social skills while also learning the fundamentals of sports through encouragement and instruction.

• Jump Bunch Ages: 1½-2½

Wed., 9/11-9/25; 6-6:30

Wed., 10/9-10/23; 6-6:30 p.m.

• Jump Bunch Ages: 2-3

Wed., 9/11-9/25; 6:30-7 p.m.

Wed., 10/9-10/23; 6:30-7 p.m.

• Sporties for Shorties Ages: 3-5

Wed., 10/9-10/23; 7-7:45 p.m.

Wed., 9/11 to 9/18; 7-7:45 p.m.

Gymnastics & Karate

These activities are great ways to develop listening skills, balance, core strength and coordination, providing a great foundation for future athletic endeavors. View options for increasing age and competency levels on page 11.

Dance

Stay moving, make friends and enjoy music with dancing.

• Square Dance: Basic Ages: 16/up Mon., 9/9-11/18; 7-9 p.m.

A Grove City Western Squares caller teaches basic calls as members help guide new dancers.

• Modern Dance Ages: 3-5 Thu., 9/12-10/17; 6-6:30 p.m.

• Modern Dance Ages: 6-10 Thu., 9/12-10/17; 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Learn the jazz dance style, adapting bold, dynamic movements, and techniques to later apply to a variety of modern dances.

Yoga

This ancient practice offers mental and physical benefits through structured breathing, strength and flexibility. Adult and senior-centric options are available.

Adaptive

Adaptive programming offers people with physical or mental challenges the opportunity to participate in recreational activities through modifications and an inclusive atmosphere.

• Karaoke & Dance Night Ages: 14/up

Fri., 10/11; 6-7:30 p.m. Enjoy friendship and refreshments in an inclusive atmosphere while singing favorite tunes or dancing as others sing. Chaperones welcome.

Fitness in the Park

Walk-up sessions in Town Center Park return for cooler fall nights.

Stop by at 6 p.m., Thursdays, 9/5, 9/12, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10 and 10/17 for exercises led by guest instructors based on different themes or formats.

No need to register, just show up dressed comfortably with a water bottle. Check GroveCityOhio.gov for the schedule.

Preschool & Childcare

Children need spaces where they can feel free, safe and active while interacting with others. Grove City offers preschool programs that provide the foundations of group learning with a nature-based philosophy. Options vary from parent/adult-child activities to child-only classes.

P.A.R.K. serves elementary school students by providing activities that keep them engaged, but without the structure of school. Each day includes arts and crafts as well as small- and large-muscle play.

Preschool

Preschool programs foster physical, mental and cultural development for children as young as 2. Participants are exposed to a variety of experiences as they grow, learn and develop personalities, discover interests. They build self-confidence, language skills and self-control while having fun.

RecSchool

Ages 3-5 develop academic, social, creative, physical and emotional skills in a child-centered and supportive group setting. Registration opens in February for the following school year (September-May). For info, visit bit.ly/GCRecSchool or call 614-277-3050.

P.A.R.K.

PlayTots

Ages 2-3 with an adult explore a classroom setting filled with play-based learning opportunities including planned activities and circle time with reading and movement for an hour on Friday mornings, September-May.

This childcare program offers a safe place for children in grades K-4 to stay physically, mentally and socially active before and after school when the SouthWestern City School District is in session. The summer program offers full-day childcare with activities and field trips including weekly trips to The Big Splash.

After-school P.A.R.K. operates Monday-Friday, 2:30-6 p.m., at Buckeye Woods, J.C. Sommer, Highland Park, Monterey and Richard Avenue elementary schools.

We’re Hiring!

Looking for a fun part-time job with no evening or weekend hours? Visit GroveCityOhio.gov for details.

Before School operates Monday-Friday, 6-8 a.m., at the Kingston Center with transportation provided to the above elementary schools. Registration for these popular programs opens each May. Sites remain open for registration until full.

For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Register starting Mon., 8/26

Be Creative!

Grove City is full of creativity! Much like physical activity improves health, making things with your hands and performing, especially in a group, offers personal benefits that extend beyond the final product.

Painting

Painting is a soothing activity that fosters creativity. Learn the basics of technique, style and types of paint with instruction targeted for different developmental levels, so you can develop and express your personal art style.

Parks & Rec. offers painting instruction that includes art-studio quality materials. Each session features new artwork for participants to bring home. Dress to get messy/wear a smock. Instructor: Sonya Wells.

• Big Art Ages: 6-9 Thu., 9/5-9/26; 5-5:45 p.m.

Thu., 10/3-10/24; 5-5:45 p.m.

Follow age-appropriate instruction to learn several styles and techniques to create art in a variety of media.

• Amazing Artists Ages: 8-12 Thu., 9/5-9/26; 6-6:45 p.m.

Thu., 10/3-10/24; 6-6:45 p.m.

Follow age-appropriate instruction with a focus on a specific iconic artist or techniques to create art.

• Colorful Canvas Ages: 10-14 Tue., 9/24, 6:30-8 p.m. Tue., 10/22, 6:30-8 p.m.

Learn to paint with acrylics on a stretched canvas through step-bystep instruction with a different theme each class. Supplies included.

Holiday Fun

• BOO! Ages: 5-10

Tue., 10/8; 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Elevate your spooky spirit with peeka-boo ghosts that light up the night.

• Frightfully Fun Night Ages: 6-12 Fri., 10/25; 6:30-8 p.m.

Don a costume to enjoy an unforgettable Halloween celebration with thrilling spooky games.

Blacksmithing

Grove City offers blacksmithing classes on a traditional forge.

• Blacksmithing 101: Introduction Sat., 10/26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Learn about equipment and forge safety then practice new skills while creating a project to take home.

See page 11 for the list of Parks & Rec. classes for September and October.

Evans Center

The Evans Center offers older residents of Grove City a variety of opportunities to stay active physically, mentally and socially. Offerings include parties, trips to restaurants and cultural sites, and classes that teach skills for navigating the challenges that come with aging.

Evans Center Fall Craft Show

The popular Fall Craft Show is Sat., 10/19. Visitors browse arts and crafts created by local artisans and purchase unique items.

• Vendor Reservation Register Starting: Tue., 9/3

$25 per table (maximum 2) Register in person only at the Evans Center Front Desk Availability is limited. Vendors producing homemade products have priority.

COTA//Plus: Free Rides!

Ages 55 and older and those with disabilities can enjoy fee-free transportation using COTA//Plus! weekdays, 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Registered riders take advantage of the point-to-point mobility service by using a phone app to request a pickup at a service-area location for transport within the area. Riders can also call to set an appointment.

Contact

COTA//Plus

cota.com/services/cota-plus 614-308-4400

Off-site Day Trips ¤

Travel by minibus to off-site tours, shopping or entertainment followed by a meal (on your own).

• Columbus Tour/Schmidt’s$ Wed., 9/18; 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Explore many of the places that make Columbus recognizable.

• Lebanon Train Ride$ Fri., 10/18; 9:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Enjoy a train ride on the Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad.

• Mystery Trip $ Wed., 10/23; 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Ohio Glass Museum $ Fri., 9/27; 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Learn the history of glass and its production in Fairfield County.

• Ohio Star Theater: Ruth $ Fri., 10/9; 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

View a musical production that celebrates faith and second chances.

• Snooty Fox Thu., 10/3; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Browse consignment shops offering a variety of discounted items.

• Take a Hike

Fri., 9/16; 8:45 a.m.-Noon

Go on a guided half-mile hike in Blacklick Woods Metro Park.

On-site Fun

• Pasta Palooza Spaghetti Showdown$ Fri., 10/25; 1-4 p.m.

Bring your appetite and competitive spirit then play favorite or learn new games while noshing noodles.

• Movie Fun: Arthur the King (2024; PG-13) Fri., 10/11; 1-3 p.m.

During a 10-day adventure race, an aging pro racer and his team bond with a scrappy street dog they name Arthur.

Dining Trips

¤ $

Lunch Bunch: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Cheesecake Factory: Tue., 9/3

• Nutcracker: Wed., 9/25

• MiMi’s Cafe: Tue., 10/1

• Butcher Block: Tue., 10/16

Supper Club: 4-8 p.m.

• Hofbräuhaus: Thu., 9/19

• Bravo: Wed., 10/30

See page 11 for the list of Parks & Rec. classes for September and October.

Senior Education

• Optimize Your Health Fri., 9/6; 11 a.m.-Noon

Learn to make healthy choices to maximize energy and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

• Self-Awareness Safety Tue., 9/10; 11 a.m.-Noon

Live more comfortably by increasing your personal safety by practicing situational awareness.

• Maximize Nutrient Density with MyPlate Fri., 10/4; 11 a.m.-Noon

Explore how to use MyPlate for meeting dietary guidelines through healthy cooking at home.

• Medicare Check-Up Appointments with OSHIIP Tue., 10/29; call to reserve a time Review Medicare coverage options with Ohio Department of Insurance representatives.

Lunch & Learn

• Brain Health

Mon., 10/7; 11 a.m.-Noon

Some mental decline is normal with age, but learn ways to improve your odds of maintaining a healthy mind.

• Should I Stay or Should I Go Fri., 9/20; 11 a.m.-Noon

Inform your decision on whether to age in place or move into a senior community.

S.A.L.T.

Through Seniors and Law Enforcement Together, the Grove City Division of Police serves older citizens by providing resources, raising awareness, sharing crime prevention tips, and giving opportunities to report concerns and ask questions. Facilitator: Teri Ruslander.

• Self-defense and Awareness for Seniors

Thu., 9/12; 10 a.m.

The Division of Police’s Lt. Stern instructs on safety awareness and self-defense for seniors.

• Scams Thu., 10/10; 10 a.m.

Ryan Lippe from the Office of the Ohio Attorney General covers scams common in Ohio and the resources available to combat them.

Annual Membership

Be a part of something special with an annual membership to The Evans Center! For a $15 annual fee (covers January-December), enjoy:

• Early access to register for 55+ classes (Friday before opens to the general public).

• Full access to the Fitness Room (a $120 per year value!)

• Discounted fee for select classes.

• Invitation to a members-only gala. For more information, stop in the Evans Center or call 614-277-1060.

DAILY ACTIVITIES

MONDAY

9 a.m. Senior Exercise$

10 a.m. Indoor Cornhole

12:30 p.m. Bridge

1 p.m. Chair Volleyball

6:30 p.m. Parkinson’s Care Giver Support Group (1st Mon.)

7 p.m. Western Squares$

TUESDAY

10 a.m. Tai Chi$ 11:30 a.m. LifeCare Alliance Lunch$

2 p.m. Showstoppers Practice 6 p.m. Yoga$ 7 p.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group (3rd Tue.)

WEDNESDAY

9 a.m. Senior Exercise$

10 a.m. Loss Support (2nd Wed.)

10 a.m. Crafts, Creativity & Conversations (4th Wed.)

11:30 a.m. LifeCare Alliance Lunch$

Noon Center Updates Q&A (1st Wed.)

1 p.m. Chair Volleyball

THURSDAY

10 a.m. S.A.L.T. Meeting (2nd Thu.)

11 a.m. Senior Yoga$ 11:30 a.m. LifeCare Alliance Lunch$

12:30 p.m. Bingo

1 p.m. Euchre

FRIDAY

Noon-

6 p.m. Red Cross Blood Drive (1st & 3rd Fri.)

12:30 p.m. Bridge

$ Associated Fee

¤ Minibus transportation; must be able to get on/off without staff assistance

For full details on offerings and registration, visit bit.ly/gcpReg Register starting Mon., 8/26

Park Updates and Development

The City of Grove City strives to add to, improve and maintain parks and recreation facilities throughout the city, including expansion of the multi-use path system linking recreational, residential and commercial areas of Grove City.

Current Projects

Gantz Park

• Construction of preschool programming building

• Reconstruction of tennis courts including new foundation and groundwork Grant-Sawyer Homestead

• Historical restoration of the carriage house

Recently Completed

Evans Center

• Kitchen renovation

Upcoming Projects

The Big Splash

• Improvement to pool shell and filtration system

• Painting of features and slide tower

• Installation of new sunshades

• Update to bathrooms and mechanical/pump house

Windsor Park

• Expansion of lighted, paved parking lot

• Replacement of baseball scoreboards and dugouts

• Installation of batting cage

• Installation of basketball courts

Fryer Park

• Paved extension connecting diamonds to main path.

• Installation of turf on West Pod Fields #1 & #4

• Grading and drainage improvements in all outfields

• New dugouts and shade structures

• New maintenance building for Community Gardens

• Park sign replacement

• Updates to Century Village Garden

• Structural correction to Bob Evans Barn

Little Girl Reading

Who do you think is the most recognizable reader in Grove City? Did the little girl reading in the Gardens at Gantz Farm come to mind? But do you know her story?

The bronze statue was created by Dennis V. Smith. His work, often featuring life-sized sculptures of children engaged in everyday activities, can be found worldwide. The appropriately named “Little Girl Reading” was created in 1990 and is one of just 12 produced.

Her Grove City story intertwines with the story of the Gardens. In 1988, a committee was tasked with planning gardens on land donated for use as a park. The chair was Dr. James Utzinger, holder of leadership positions in the Ohio State University Department of Horticulture and a SWCSD science teacher.

The committee wanted to include art. Per fellow committee member Barbara Williams, Utzinger was drawn to a statue that reminded him of his pony-tailed granddaughter.

Unfortunately, Utzinger died in 1990 before construction on the Gardens was complete. The Columbus Vegetable Growers Association, which Utzinger had formerly directed, purchased the statue in his memory.

The sculpture was installed prior to the dedication of the Gardens at Gantz Farm in July 1991.

PRESCHOOL

RecSchool

Ages: 3-5

September-May

PlayTots

Ages: 2-3 with an Adult Fri., 9/8-5/17; 9:15-10:15 a.m.

Learning Together: Caterpillars and Butterflies

Ages: 2-3 with Adult Tue., 9/17-9/24; 6-7 p.m.

YOUTH

Youth Basketball Grades: K-12

Register during October Practice starts 12/2; Games start Sat., 1/4

Modern Dance Ages: 6-10

Thu., 9/12-10/17; 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Gymnastics

Ages: 5-6

Tue., 9/10-10/15; 6-6:30 p.m.

Thu., 9/12-10/17; 6-6:30 p.m.

Ages: 7-8

Tue., 9/10-10/15; 6:30-7 p.m.

Thu., 9/12-10/17; 6:30-7 p.m.

Karate Peewee Beginner

Ages: 4-7

Mon., 9/9-10/21; 5-5:30 p.m.

No class: 10/14

Wed., 9/11-10/16; 5-5:30 p.m.

ADULT

Yoga

Tue., 9/3-9/26; 6-7 p.m.

Tue., 10/1-10/29; 6-7 p.m.

No class: 10/8

Garden Library Brick Painting Ages: 16/up

Wed., 9/18; 6:30-9 p.m.

Aromatherapy Pendants

Tue., 9/24; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Sleepy Thyme

Thu., 10/10; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Herb Bombs, Herb Salts & Herb Vinegars

Tue., 10/22; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER CLASS INDEX

Learning Together: Colorful Fall Leaves Ages: 2-3 with Adult Tue., 10/15-10/22; 6-7 p.m.

Gymnastics

Ages: 3

Tue., 9/10-10/15; 5-5:30 p.m.

Thu., 9/12-10/17; 5-5:30 p.m.

Ages: 4

Tue., 9/10-10/15; 5:30-6 p.m. Thu., 9/12-10/17; 5:30-6 p.m.

Modern Dance Ages: 3-5

Thu., 9/12-10/17; 6-6:30 p.m.

Karate Peewee Advanced Ages: 4-7

Mon., 9/9-10/21; 5:30-6 p.m. No class: 10/14

Wed., 9/11-10/16; 5:30-6 p.m.

Karate Beginner Ages: 8/up

Mon., 9/9-10/21; 6-7 p.m.

No class: 10/14

Wed., 9/11-10/16; 6-7 p.m.

Karate Advanced Ages: 8/up

Mon., 9/9-10/21; 7-8 p.m. No class: 10/14

Wed., 9/11-10/16; 7-8 p.m. BOO!

Ages: 5-10

Tue., 10/8; 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Frightfully Fun Night

Ages: 6-12

Fri., 10/25; 6:30-8 p.m.

Soft Pretzels for Snacking

Tue., 9/17; 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Herb Mustards

Thu., 10/17; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Square Dance: Basic Ages: 16/up

Mon., 9/9-11/18; 7-9 p.m.

Blacksmithing 101: Introduction

Sat., 10/26; 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Jump Bunch

Ages: 1½-2½

Wed., 9/11-9/25; 6-6:30 p.m.

Wed., 10/9-10/23; 6-6:30 p.m.

Ages: 2-3

Wed., 9/11-9/25; 6:30-7 p.m. Wed., 10/9-10/23; 6:30-7 p.m.

Sporties for Shorties

Ages: 3-5

Wed., 9/11-9/18; 7-7:45 p.m. Wed., 10/9-10/23; 7-7:45 p.m.

Scary Fairy Garden Ages: 6-9

Thu., 10/24; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Witch Hazel’s Super Scary Spa Night Ages: 9-11

Tue., 10/29; 6:30-8 p.m.

Bubble Bath Play Dough Ages: 6-9

Wed., 9/11; 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Big Art Ages: 6-9

Thu., 9/5-9/26; 5-5:45 p.m.

Thu., 10/3-10/24; 5-5:45 p.m.

Amazing Artists Ages: 8-12

Thu., 9/5-9/26; 6-6:45 p.m.

Thu., 10/3-10/24; 6-6:45 p.m.

Colorful Canvas

Ages: 10-14

Tue., 9/24; 6:30-8 p.m. Tue., 10/22; 6:30-8 p.m.

Karate Beginner Ages: 8/up

Mon., 9/9-10/21; 6-7 p.m. No class: 10/14

Wed., 9/11-10/16; 6-7 p.m.

Karate Advanced Ages: 8/up

Mon., 9/9-10/21; 7-8 p.m. No class: 10/14

Wed., 9/11-10/16; 7-8 p.m.

Self Defense Ages: 16/up

Sat., 9/14; 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

55+

Fun, Games & Entertainment

Pasta Palooza Spaghetti Showdown

Fri., 10/25; 1-4 p.m.

Movie Fun: Arthur the King ƒ Fri., 10/11; 1-3 p.m.

Bingo

Thu., 9/5-9/26; 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Thu., 10/3-10/31; 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Crafts, Creativity & Conversations

Wed., 9/25; 10 a.m.-Noon Wed., 10/23; 10 a.m.-Noon

LifeCare Alliance Lunch Program

Ages: 60/up

Tue., Wed. & Thu., 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Suggested donation:

$1.50 per meal

Exercise

Chair Volleyball ƒ

Mon., Wed., 9/4-9/30; 1-2 p.m.

Mon., Wed., 10/2-10/30; 1-2 p.m.

No class: 10/14

Fitness Room

Weekdays; 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Tai Chi

Tue., 9/3-9/24; 10-11 a.m. Tue., 10/1-10/22; 10-11 a.m.

Senior Exercise

Mon., Wed., 9/4-9/30; 9-10 a.m.

Mon., Wed., 10/2-10/30; 9-10 a.m.

No class: 10/14

Senior Yoga

Thu., 9/5-9/26; 11 a.m.-Noon Thu., 10/3-10/31; 11 a.m.-Noon No class: 10/10

Education/Enrichment

Center Updates with Q & A ƒ Wed., 9/4; Noon Wed., 10/2; Noon

Maximize Nutrient Density with MyPlate ƒ Fri., 10/4; 11 a.m.-Noon

OSHIIP Medicare Checkup Appointments ƒ

Tue., 10/29; call-set an appointment 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Optimize Your Health ƒ Fri., 9/6; 11 a.m.-Noon

Self-awareness Safety ƒ Tue., 9/10; 11 a.m.-Noon

Lunch & Learn: Brain Health ƒ Mon., 10/7; 11 a.m.-Noon

Lunch & Learn: Should I Stay or Should I Go ƒ Fri., 9/20; 11 a.m.-Noon

S.A.L.T. Seniors and Law Enforcement Together

• Self-defense and Awareness for Seniors (Lt. Stern) ƒ Thu., 9/12; 10 a.m.

• Scams (Ohio Attorney General’s Office) ƒ Thu., 10/10; 10 a.m.

Tech for Seniors ƒ Weekdays; 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Support

Loss Support ƒ

Wed., 9/11; 10-11 a.m.

Wed., 10/9; 10-11 a.m.

Alzheimer’s Support Group ƒ

Tue., 9/17; 7 p.m.

Tue., 10/15; 7 p.m.

Parkinson’s Disease Care Giving Support ƒ Mon., 10/7; 6:30-7:30 p.m. Trips

Columbus Tour/Schmidt’s Sausage Haus

Wed., 9/18; 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lebanon Train Ride Fri., 10/18; 9:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Mystery Trip

Wed., 10/23; 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Ohio Glass Museum Fri., 9/27; 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ruth at the Ohio Star Theater/ Dutch Valley Restaurant Fri., 10/9; 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Snooty Fox Consignment Shops Thu., 10/3; 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Take a Hike at Blackwick Woods Metro Park

Fri., 9/16; 8:45 a.m.-Noon

Lunch Bunch: Cheesecake Factory Tue., 9/3; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lunch Bunch: Nutcracker Restaurant

Wed., 9/25; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lunch Bunch: MiMi’s Cafe Tue., 10/1; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Lunch Bunch: Butcher Block Tue., 10/16; 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Supper Club: Hofbräuhaus Thu., 9/19; 4-8 p.m.

Supper Club: Bravo Wed., 10/30; 4-8 p.m.

ƒ = Free

Grove City Parks

" The Big Splash/Evans 2831 Southwest Blvd.

# Blodwen 2352 Blodwen Circle

$ Breck Community 3005 Demorest Rd.

% Concord Lakes 3606 Lake Mead Dr. & Cread Lawless 3401 Kingston Ave. ' Creekside 2410 Holton Rd.

Fryer 3899 Orders Rd. ) Gantz 2255 Home Rd. * Henceroth 2075 Mallow Lane + Hennigans Grove 5804 Paul Talbott Circle , Holton Run 5301 Demorest Dr.

Hoover Crossing 2880 Wynridge Dr./ Murfin Trail

Hoover Park 4629 Haughn Rd.

Indian Trails 6190 Buckeye Pkwy.

Keller Farms 1904 Michelle Ct. 1 Meadowgrove 5601 Spring Hill Rd. 2 The Park at Beulah 3700 Glacial Lane 3 Pinnacle Area 2430 Holton Rd. 4 Pinnacle Links North 1243 Pinnacle Club Dr. 5 Pinnacle Links South 5014 Callum Way 6 Scioto Meadows 432 Scioto Meadows Blvd.

7 Sesquicentennial 3247 Park St. 8 Skate 3728 Hoover Road 9 Swearingen 2601 Columbus Street

Town Center Park 3359 Park Street

Walden Bluff Walden Bluff Ct. < Westgrove 3580 Magnolia St.

Windsor 4330 Dudley Ave./ 4408 Broadway/ Dreamfield: 3400 Ventura Blvd.

B Century Village 4185 Orders Rd.

C Eagle Pavilion 3670 Discovery Dr.

D Evans Center 4330 Dudley Ave.

E Gantz Farmhouse & Gardens 2255 Home Rd.

F George Edge Music Broadway at Park St.

G Grant-Sawyer Home 4126 Haughn Road

H Grove City Gold Star Families Memorial 3964 Columbus St.

I Grove City Visitors Center & Museum

3378 Park St.

J Kingston Center 3226 Kingston Ave.

Grove City Parks and Rec. Outdoor Shelter Rentals

Windsor and Gantz parks feature shelters large enough for gatherings available to the public year-round, dawn to dusk, and are open for walk-up usage if not already reserved. Reservations are available for May 1 through Sept. 30. All other shelters and gazebos are accessible on a first-come basis and are not available for reservation by the public. The Eagle Pavilion in Fryer Park has separate policies from open shelters including no walk-up usage.

For more information, call 614-277-3050 or visit GroveCityOhio.gov.

GANTZ PARK LARGE SHELTER

Size 1,800 square feet

Picnic Tables 12 (2 ADA)

Rental Times & Fees

9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $75 ($125 NR)

Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $125 ($200 NR)

GANTZ PARK SMALL SHELTER

Size 850 square feet

Picnic Tables 6

Rental Times & Fees

9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $50 ($75 NR)

Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $90 ($125 NR)

Parks with Walk-up Shelters

• Blodwen

• Cread Lawless

• Creekside

• Fryer

WINDSOR PARK LARGE SHELTER

Size 1,500 square feet

Picnic Tables 13 (2 ADA)

Rental Times & Fees

9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $75 ($125 NR)

Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $125 ($200 NR)

Size 500 square feet

Picnic Tables 0

Rental Times & Fees

9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $50 ($75 NR) Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $90 ($125 NR)

• Indian Trails

• Keller Farms

• Meadowgrove

• The Park at Beulah

• Scioto Meadows

• Swearingen

• Westgrove

• Windsor

WINDSOR PARK BASEBALL FOR ALL/DREAM FIELD SHELTER

Size 1,500 square feet

Picnic Tables 8 (8 ADA)

Rental Times & Fees

9 a.m.-3 p.m. or 4-9 p.m.: $75 ($125 NR)

Full Day (9 a.m.-9 p.m.): $125 ($200 NR)

Outdoor Shelter Reminders

• Reservations are available for May 1-Sept. 30.

• Refunds only granted 30 or more days before reservation date.

• Water fountains/flushing toilets are turned off seasonally to protect pipes (approximately Oct. 1-May 1).

• Restrooms are open to all park users.

• Reservations have priority. Police will assist if walk-up occupants refuse to leave. Call the non-emergency police number at 614-277-1710.

• Shelters are cleaned early each morning. Be prepared in case conditions are affected by others' use, weather or animals.

• Be courteous! Leave shelters in same or better condition.

• Place all refuse in proper containers.

• Prohibited actions include smoking/vaping of tobacco or marijuana, alcohol use/impairment and possession of weapons.

• All park laws apply; see Grove City Code Chapter 903.

GANTZ PARK GAZEBO

Registration

bit.ly/gcpReg

24-7

Credit card only

Drop Box, 3226 Kingston Ave. (Rear)

24-7

Check or money order

Payment Methods

• Due to security concerns, payments are not accepted by phone

• Online using a credit card (VISA, MasterCard or Discover Card).

Kingston Center, 3226 Kingston Ave. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Credit card, cash, money order, check Ages 1-54

Evans Center, 4330 Dudley Ave.

8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday

Credit card, cash, money order, check Ages 55+

• In person via credit card, cash, money order or check made payable to the City of Grove City.

• Drop box (parking-lot side of the Kingston Center) by check or money order

Fees, Residency Rates & Fair Share Policy

Most activities list two fees with a lower rate for residents. Grove City Parks and Rec. facilities and offerings are funded through property and income taxes; in recognition of this, residents receive a discount

• A resident is someone whose home address lies within the corporation limits of Grove City or unincorporated Jackson Township.

• Please note: this does not include all of ZIP code 43123; the U.S. Postal Service uses ZIP codes to designate the office that delivers mail to an address.

• Verify your rate level at Property.FranklinCountyAuditor.com. Search for your address. Eligible addresses feature a parcel ID that starts with 040 or 160.

• The Fair Share Policy extends eligibility for lower rates to non-residents who pay income tax to the City of Grove City. Proof of employment (e.g., current pay stub showing tax payment) must be confirmed annually.

Confirmation

• No further confirmation regarding registration is made unless there is a change to the time or location. Participants are responsible for being present at the time and location listed.

• View your household’s schedule: log in and select the account tab (top left) to view upcoming classes.

Cancellation by Participant

• Registered participants may cancel before the program starts or materials are ordered. Requests must be in writing (hard copy or email).

• For a full refund for team sports, a request must be made before uniforms are ordered. Decisions on refunds are at the discretion of department personnel.

• Refunds are by check mailed to household or reversal of a credit card charge.

Class/Event Cancellation by Department

• Activities are subject to change or cancellation based on participation, instructor availability, weather or building conditions, and public safety concerns. Staff will notify registered participants of changes to classes.

• For day-of updates on events and team sports, call 614-277-3060, monitor social media and visit GroveCityOhio.gov

The Source

• Every attempt is made to print accurate, complete information. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the publication and the timeline for printing, the guide may include incorrect or incomplete information.

• We apologize for any errors or omissions and encourage you to visit the website and review online offerings for the most up-to-date information.

Photos and Videos

The City of Grove City reserves the right to photograph or otherwise record activities, participants, spectators and park visitors. Images may be used in social media, website, catalogs, brochures, magazines, ads or other print or electronic communications or promotions.

Looking for your photo?

Did you see someone taking photos and want to view them?

• Check EQ@GroveCityParks and EQ@GroveCityOhio.

• Browse the Discover Grove City magazine.

• Visit GroveCityOhio.gov.

Equal Opportunity and Special Populations

Grove City Parks and Rec. is committed to serving the whole community regardless of age, sex, race, color, national origin or religion

Our goal is to include individuals with special needs in existing programs based on need and ability. Individuals or groups serving special populations are welcome to contact the department to make proper arrangements.

The City of Grove City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to programs or activities. An ADA Coordinator is designated to coordinate compliance with the nondiscrimination requirements contained in the Department of Justice regulations implementing Subtitle A of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.), prohibiting discrimination on the basis of disability by public agencies. Call 614-277-3050 for information.

2024 Leaf Collection Schedule

Important Collection Tips

Please have leaves raked for pickup by 7 a.m., Monday of your designated week.

• Leaf collection for each area begins Mondays and may take the entire week to complete.

• Help keep leaves out of the street gutter, away from storm drains, ravines and streams.

• Rake leaves to the grassy area between the street and sidewalk or to the edge of your lawn for streets without sidewalks. Leaves will not permanently damage the lawn.

• Relocate parked vehicles from the street, 7 a.m.-4 p.m., during your collection week.

• Leaves in bags cannot be collected.

• Leaves are accepted year-round when placed in yard waste bags/containers as part of regular trash pickup by Local Waste Services.

• A greener alternative is to mulch leaves with a mower to provide a natural fertilizer. For more information, view the FAQs at bit.ly/gcLeafCollection or contact the Grove City Service Department at 614-277-1100.

Public Service Department

Proper Disposal of Yard Waste

September and October offer perfect conditions for clearing out the last remnants of spring and summer annuals, raking or mulching leaves and getting your property ready for winter. These projects can leave you with plenty of yard waste to dispose of, so make sure you know how to properly handle it.

Leaf Collection

• Grove City offers residential collection of loose leaves raked to the curb each year mid-October through mid-December. View page 16 for a map, schedule and procedures.

• Leaves can also be bagged and placed at the curb with other yard waste as part of regular refuse collection.

Yard Waste

Through the residential refuse collection contracted with Local Waste Services, contained yard waste can be placed at the curb on your normal collection day.

Accepted Yard Waste

• Grass, bush and shrub cuttings, leaves, garden growth and vines.

• Tree limbs or branches less than four feet in length and two inches in diameter or less. (It is recommended to prune trees in the spring.)

• Do NOT include food waste, rocks or dirt. Food waste can be deposited in the composting collection bins at 2831 Southwest Blvd.

Acceptable Containers/Binding

• Items may be bundled with twine or fiber string or placed in biodegradable paper bags.

• Loose items also can be placed in a sturdy, rigid container clearly marked as “yard waste only” that can be easily dumped. Yard-waste container stickers are available at City Hall and the Public Service Department.

• Plastic and metal cannot be processed, so do not use wire, plastic strips, plastic bags or flower pots to hold materials.

Yard Waste Collection Rules

• There is a maximum 50-pound limit for containers/bundles.

• Place at curb on your collection day by 7 a.m., but no earlier than 5 p.m. the day before.

• Residents are responsible for cleaning the area if bags break due to weather, animals or unstable containers.

Fall Special Collections

SWACO Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Sat., 9/28, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Kingston Center

Bring materials for proper disposal including gasoline, lighter fluid and thinners; pool chemicals; fluorescent light bulbs; propane tanks under 20 pounds; batteries; corrosives (e.g., drain cleaner); and oil-based liquid or spray paint.

Shredding Day (Residential)

Sat., 9/28, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.

Park Street Intermediate School, 3205 Park St.

Drop off personal papers for safe destruction by Ohio Mobile Shredding. Limit five boxes/bags per resident.

Great Pumpkin Disposal

Fri., 11/1 - Mon., 12/2

Fryer Park, front parking lot

Drop off pumpkins and gourds only for environmentally friendly disposal. Collection may end early if capacity is reached.

Contact

Hours: 7 a.m.-4 p.m.

Grove City Division of Police

Back to School Traffic Safety

As a new school year starts, it is important for drivers, pedestrians and vulnerable road users to be aware of each other and take safety precautions.

Vulnerable road users refers to anyone utilizing the roadways for activities such as biking, riding a scooter, skateboarding, driving a low/under speed vehicle like a golf cart, walking or running.

It is essential for motorists and vulnerable road users alike to pay close attention to their surroundings, make complete stops at stop signs and red lights, slow down when signaled to yield or when people approach, and look both ways before crossing a roadway or making a turn.

Another important habit to adopt is always being hyperaware in school zones and observing the reduced speeds when appropriate. Embracing these simple practices will help keep community members safe!

School Bus Safety for Students

Parents should review school bus safety with their children before school starts. Here are some tips to follow:

• Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early.

• Stand at least 10 feet from the edge of the road (take five giant steps back).

• Ensure clothing and bags with drawstrings, straps or dangling objects do not get caught in the handrail or door when exiting the bus.

• Wait until the bus fully stops, the door opens and the driver gives his/her okay before stepping onto the bus.

• Make eye contact with the bus driver to ensure you always see each other.

• Walk in front of the bus, never behind it.

• Before crossing the street, stop and look left-right-left before crossing.

Drivers Stopping

for School Buses

• If a school bus is stopped on a street with three or fewer lanes, all traffic approaching the bus from EITHER direction must stop at least 10 feet from the front and rear of the bus and remain stopped until the bus moves, or the bus driver signals motorists to proceed.

• If the bus is stopped on a street or road with four or more lanes, ONLY traffic proceeding in the same direction as the bus must stop.

Make Your Halloween Safe

Halloween means decorating, dressing up and enjoying events, but it comes with special hazards. Make sure it is both fun and safe for all!

Children

• Be visible! Include bright or reflective elements in your costume and/or carry a flashlight or glow stick.

• Avoid costumes that make it hard to see or be seen.

• Follow traffic laws and cross at corners and crosswalks when possible, always looking both ways.

Adults

• If distributing treats, turn on your porch light 6-8 p.m., Thu., 10/31.

• Make sure your sidewalk is free from cars and other obstacles.

• Take extra care if driving. Watch for more foot traffic and excited kids not used to being out after dark.

Contact

Grove City Safety Complex 3360 Park St.

Grove City, OH 43123

• Emergency: 911

• Non-emergency: 614-277-1710

• Public Records: 614-277-1714

• Fax: 614-277-1717

• Mayor’s Court: 614-277-1715